14/12/2020
Natural Cleaning Alternatives
Instead of buying green cleaning products, a person can easily make natural cleaners at home.
There are many recipes for green cleaners that are cheap and versatile. The ingredients are natural and do not cause environmental harm, including not causing indoor air pollution. They are also less likely than nongreen ones to affect a person’s health.
Some natural products that can make good cleaning agents include:
vinegar
baking soda
tea tree oil
castile soap
The Green Building Alliance have identified a few different recipes to make green cleaning products at home. Some ideas include:
Disinfectant: Mix 2 cups of water, 1 tbsp of liquid castile soap, and 1 tsp of tea tree oil to create a multipurpose disinfectant that helps remove germs.
All-purpose cleaner: Combine equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle to create an all-purpose cleaner for many hard surfaces.
Glass cleaner: Shake 1/4 cup of white vinegar, 1/4 cup of rubbing alcohol, 2 cups warm water, and 1 tbsp of cornstarch in a spray bottle. The mixture can clean glass surfaces, such as windows or stove tops.
Drain cleaner: Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda into a clogged drain and follow this with 1 cup of vinegar. Let the mixture work for about 15 minutes and then pour boiling water down the drain.
Multipurpose scrub: Combine enough water and baking soda to make a paste. Use the paste with a brush, sponge, or scrubber to clean the surface of sinks, stoves, and other hard surfaces
Air freshener: Use either dried or fresh flowers, or boil water with vanilla, cinnamon, slices of lemon or oranges, or other spices. To deodorize a refrigerator or carpet, leave baking soda in an open bowl or sprinkle on the carpet. Let it sit on the carpet for a few minutes before vacuuming it up.
Laundry detergent: Combine 1/2 cup of washing soda, 1 cup of soap flakes, and a 1/2 cup of baking soda. A person can add 1 to 2 tbsp of oxygen bleach if they wish.
People choose green cleaning products to avoid chemicals that may harm their health and the environment. Learn about some of the best green cleaning products and their benefits.